Low cost radio frequency identification (rfid) dispensing systems

ABSTRACT

A radio frequency identification (RFID) dispenser that includes low cost electronic components that can read and write to the tag of a refill cartridge. In one embodiment, the reader utilizes a multi band pass filter to convert the radio frequency identification into a digital signal that is processed by a controller to perform a dispensing function representative to the code of the tag. In another embodiment, the controller utilizes an internal comparator to convert the radio frequency identification into a digital signal that is processed by a controller to perform a dispensing function representative to the code of the tag. The dispenser in both embodiments also includes a pair of transistors that write to the RFID tag of the refill cartridge. A dispenser according to the invention also includes the capability to read and/or write to tags upon cartridges employed by the dispenser, and augmenting the operation of the dispenser as a function thereof. Additionally, a dispenser of variable size is presented that is adaptable, through adjustable partitions or a telescoping cup, to receive and maintain cartridges of various sizes.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/459,783 filed on Aug. 14, 2014, which is a division of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/545,726 filed on Jul. 10, 2012, which is adivision of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/317,674 filed on Dec.29, 2008, whereby the content of each application is incorporated hereinby reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is generally directed to dispensing systems. Inparticular, the present invention is directed to keyed dispensers whichallow only certain types of material to be installed in selecteddispensers and, if desired, installed by selected distributors. Morespecifically, the present invention is directed to radio frequencyidentification (RFID) fluid dispensers.

BACKGROUND ART

It is well known to provide fluid dispensers for use in restaurants,factories, hospitals, bathrooms and the home. These dispensers maycontain fluids such as soap, anti-bacterial cleansers, disinfectants,lotions and the like. It is also known to provide dispensers with sometype of pump actuation mechanism wherein the user pushes or pulls alever to dispense a quantity of fluid into the user's hands.“Hands-free” dispensers may also be utilized wherein the user's handsare simply placed underneath a sensor and a quantity of fluid isdispensed. Related types of dispensers may be used to dispense powder oraerosol materials.

Dispensers may directly hold a quantity of fluid, but these have beenfound to be messy and difficult to service. As such, it is known to userefill bags or cartridges that hold a quantity of fluid and provide apump and nozzle mechanism. These cartridges are advantageous in thatthey are easily installed without a mess. And the dispenser can monitorusage to indicate when the cartridge is low and provide other dispenserstatus information.

Manufacturers of these fluid materials enlist distributors to installthe dispensers at various locations and place the manufacturer'sproducts in the dispensers. Further, the manufacturers rely on thedistributors to put the correct refill container or cartridge in thedispenser housing. For example, it would be very upsetting to hospitalpersonnel to have hand moisturizing lotion dispensed when they insteaddesire anti-bacterial soap. Therefore, manufacturers provide keyednozzle and pump mechanisms for each type of fluid cartridge so that onlyappropriate cartridges are installed in corresponding fluid dispensers.

Distributors prefer such a keying system so that their dispensers canonly be refilled by them instead of their competitors. Replacement ofrefill containers by unauthorized distributors is sometimes referred toas “stuffing.” In addition to providing keying between the dispenser andthe fluid refill bag to ensure the compatibility of the product with thedispenser, keying is used to ensure that competitors of the distributordo not obtain the distributor's business. And it is also critical to themanufacturer that competitors do not stuff their product into themanufacturer's dispensers. Such activity prevents the manufacturer fromobtaining an adequate return on the dispensers which are typically soldat cost or less. Moreover, such “stuffing” subjects the dispenser ownerto liability and disparagement when lesser quality and/or improperreplacements are made.

Although mechanical keys are helpful in ensuring that the proper refillbag is installed into the proper dispenser and that the distributorsmaintain their business clientele and integrity, these keying systemshave been found to be lacking. For example, if a distributor'scompetitor cannot install its refill packages into the distributor'sdispenser device, the competitor may remove or alter the keyingmechanism. As such, inferior fluid may be installed into a particulardispenser and the preferred distributor will lose sales. Mechanicalkeying also necessitates significant tooling costs underwritten by themanufacturer to design special nozzles and dispensers that arecompatible with one another. In other words, each dispenser must bekeyed for a particular product, a particular distributor and perhapseven a particular location. Accordingly, the inventory costs formaintaining refill bags with a particular key is significant. And thelead time for manufacturing such a refill bag may be quite lengthy.Moreover, the particular identification of a particular keying devicemay be lost or damaged so that it is difficult to determine which typeof keying configuration is needed for the refill bags.

One attempt at controlling the type of product associated with adispenser is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,400 B1. This patentdiscloses a refill bag or cartridge that utilizes a wafer with anembedded magnet that must be properly oriented into a housing in orderfor the magnet to be detected and effectively close an on/off switch. Ifthe magnet is not detected then the dispenser is disabled. Althougheffective in its stated purpose, the device disclosed in the patent islacking in that a specific orientation is required for installation ofthe refill container.

Electronic keys are also known in the art. One such electronically keyeddispenser is disclosed in co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 7,028,861. This patentdiscloses several ways to apply radio frequency (RFID) tags or smartlabels; and related mediums; however it is lacking because it does notdisclose the specific means to accomplish radio frequency identification(RFID) communication. In addition, this reference does not contemplatewriting to the RFID tag, which would prevent reusing the cartridgewithin another dispenser or reloading the dispenser after the fluid hasbeen depleted.

It is also desirable that a dispenser have the ability to so monitor thecartridge it is tendered or has received, that it operates to ensurethat the dispenser is never “empty”; that full quantities of liquid aredispensed, as determined by the nature of the cartridge and the volumeof liquid therein; that the identity of cartridges to be acceptedthereby is first and automatically established upon installation of thedispenser; and that the operating parameters of the dispenser are setand modified as a function of that identity.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for a dispenser that provides forexchanges of data between a refill container and a receiving housingutilizing a low cost RFID communication. There is also a need for animproved keying system for fluid dispensers to ensure that the propermaterial is installed into the proper dispenser and that the cartridgehas not yet been used. And there is a need to ensure proper operation ofthe dispenser as a function of the nature of the cartridge recognized bythe dispenser.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing it is a first aspect of the present inventionto provide electronically keyed dispensing systems and related methodsof installation and use at a low cost.

Another object of the present invention, which shall become apparent asthe detailed description proceeds, is achieved by a dispensing systemcomprising a housing having a first data communication device associatedtherewith. The first data communication device has stored therein aseries of identification codes associated with the housing and having acontrol circuit with a quad operational amplifier circuit thatdemodulates an analog signal from a refill container within a targetrange and converts the analog signal to a digital signal. The first datacommunication device has a controller which decodes the digital signalinto one of the identification codes; the refill container beingreceivable in the housing and carrying a fluid material and having asecond data communication device associated therewith. The second datacommunication device has stored therein a matching code associated withthe refill container and corresponding to one of the identificationcodes within the target; and an operational mechanism associated withone of the housing and the refill container to enable dispensing ameasured quantity of the material.

It is still another object of the present invention, which shall becomeapparent as the detailed description proceeds, to provide a dispensingsystem comprising a housing having a first data communication deviceassociated therewith. The first data communication device has storedtherein a series of identification codes associated with the housing anda control circuit with an internal comparator of the controller thatdemodulates an analog signal from a refill container within a targetrange and converts the analog signal to a digital signal, the first datacommunication device having a controller which decodes the digitalsignal into one of the identification codes; the refill container beingreceivable in the housing and carrying a fluid material and having asecond data communication device associated therewith. The second datacommunication device has stored therein a matching code associated withthe refill container and corresponding to one of the identificationcodes within the target; and an operational mechanism associated withone of the housing and the refill container to enable dispensing ameasured quantity of the material.

It is still another object of the present invention, which shall becomeapparent as the detailed description proceeds, to provide a dispensingsystem comprising a housing having a first data communication deviceassociated therewith. The first data communication device has storedtherein a series of identification codes associated with the housing anda control circuit with a dual operational amplifier and an internalcomparator of the controller that demodulates an analog signal from arefill container within a target range and converts the analog signal toa digital signal, the first data communication device having acontroller which decodes the digital signal into one of theidentification codes; the refill container being receivable in thehousing and carrying a fluid material and having a second datacommunication device associated therewith. The second data communicationdevice has stored therein a matching code associated with the refillcontainer and corresponding to one of the identification codes withinthe target, and an operational mechanism associated with one of thehousing and the refill container to enable dispensing a measuredquantity of the material.

Other aspects of the present invention are attained by providing a pairof transistors within the dispenser that communicate with (excite,provide power, read, and write to) the radio frequency identification(RFID) tag of the refill cartridge.

Further aspects of the invention are attained by a method for dispensingliquids from a cartridge of a dispenser, comprising: monitoring thedispenser to determine if the dispensing of liquid has been requested;dispensing liquid upon receipt of such request; counting a number ofdispense cycles from a beginning point in time; and altering thedispensing activity of the dispenser after a particular number ofdispensing cycles following said beginning point in time.

Other aspects of the invention include the provision of a method forestablishing and controlling operational parameters of a dispenseremploying cartridges containing material to be dispensed, comprising:reading data from a tag on the cartridge; determining operationalparameters from the tag; and controlling operation of the dispenser inaccordance with the parameters.

Yet additional aspects of the invention include the provision of amaterial dispenser adapted for use with various sizes of cartridges,comprising: a back plate; a cover over said back plate defining a cavitybetween the two for receipt of a cartridge; and means for adjusting avolume of said cavity for receipt of various sizes of cartridges.

These and other objects of the present invention, as well as theadvantages thereof over existing prior art forms, which will becomeapparent from the description to follow, are accomplished by theimprovements hereinafter described and claimed. The presentation hereinis with regard to presently contemplated embodiments that are broadlydefined, but readily perceived by those skilled in the art. For example,reference to switching elements broadly known as transistors are madewithout deference to a broad range of transistors including, forexample, field effective transistors (FETs) and bipolar junctiontransistors (BJTs), to name only two.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a complete understanding of the objects, techniques and structure ofthe invention, reference should be made to the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a radio frequency identification dispenser(RFID) made in accordance with the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed schematic of the dispenser showing a controller andthe radio frequency identification (RFID) components according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the radio frequency identification (RFID)circuit of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a detailed schematic of the dispenser showing a controller andthe radio frequency identification (RFID) components according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of the radio frequency identification (RFID)circuit of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a detailed schematic of the dispenser showing a controller andthe radio frequency identification (RFID) components according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of the radio frequency identification (RFID)circuit of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are operational flow charts of the fluid dispenseraccording to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an illustrative diagram of a dispenser according to theinvention and adapted for implementation of the process of FIG. 10;

FIG. 10 is an operational flow chart for switching between cartridges ina dispenser to ensure the dispenser is never empty;

FIG. 11 is an illustrative diagram of a dispenser according to theinvention and adapted for implementation of the processes of FIGS. 12and 13;

FIG. 12 is an operational flow chart for regulating the period of adispensing cycle as a function of the volume of liquid remaining in thecartridge;

FIG. 13 is an operational flow chart for “learning” the nature of thecartridges to be accepted by the dispenser, and controlling operation asa function thereof;

FIG. 14 is an operational flow chart showing the process for setting thedispense cycle time based upon the identify of the product maintainedwithin the cartridge;

FIG. 15 is an operational flow chart for setting the number of dispensecycles available from a particular cartridge and inhibiting dispensingwhen that number has been reached;

FIG. 16 is an operational flow chart showing the process used inassociation with an active tag, in which the cartridge tag is indexed ateach dispense cycle until a predetermined number of dispense cycles havebeen engaged;

FIG. 17 is an operational flow chart according to the invention showingthe process for determining from the tag of a cartridge whether thecartridge contains the correct product and/or is from an acceptablesource;

FIG. 18 is an illustration of a dispenser made in accordance with theinvention that is adaptable and adjustable to accommodate variouscartridges; and

FIGS. 19A-19D illustrate a second embodiment of an adaptable andadjustable dispenser of a telescoping nature for various sizes ofcartridges.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

It will be appreciated from a reading of the Background Art that aprimary need for dispensing systems is the ability to prevent “stuffing”of competitor's refill containers in a manufacturer's dispenser or indispensers serviced by a distributor authorized by the manufacturer. Theexemplary systems disclosed herein fill this need by facilitatingsharing of data between a communication device associated with therefill container and a communication device associated with thedispenser housing. Sharing of data includes, but is not limited to: thetype of material within a refill container; a refill container'sidentification code; a concentration ratio within the refill container;a distributor's identification code; quality control information, suchas manufacture dates and lot size; pump and/or nozzle size; the type ofpump actuating mechanism associated with a dispenser; the type ofdispenser location—restaurant, hospital school, factory, etc—; thedispenser's history of use; and so on. The communication device referredto pertains to radio frequency identification (RFID) tags or smartlabels and related mediums. It is envisioned that the RFID tags will bethe preferred communication device and these include chip devices thatuse electric, inductive or capacitive antennas; or chipless devices thatutilize microwave reflectors, remote magnetics, transistors ortransistor-less circuits. And the communication devices, whichever modeis selected, provide the ability to change, update and lock data storedin the devices.

A microprocessor based controller, which may be associated with therefill container, the housing, or a stand-alone device, is preferablyused to facilitate the sharing of data between the communicationdevices. Based upon the monitoring of the communication devicesundertaken by the controller, the controller controls any number ofoperational mechanisms that permit use of the dispensing system. Thecontroller may also allow a single dispenser to receive and dispensematerials from more than one refill container, or allow control of morethan one dispenser.

The stand-alone device may be an electronic plug or key that isreceivable by the dispenser housing. Indeed the key may or may notprovide: a power supply, the first or second communications device, andthe controller. The foregoing features and options may be selecteddepending upon security features desired by the distributor ormanufacturer as deemed appropriate.

The dispensers disclosed herein utilize either operational mechanismssuch as a push bar mechanism or a “hands-free” mechanism for dispensinga quantity of fluid. The push bar mechanism operates by the user pushinga bar that actuates a pump mechanism carried by the refill container todispense a measured quantity of fluid. The “hands-free” device, anexample of which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,329, and which isincorporated herein by reference, utilizes a sensor that detects thepresence of an individual's hand and then dispenses a measured quantityof fluid. The operational mechanism may also include any latchingcomponents that permit access to the housing that carries the refillcontainer. In other words, a latch or a series of latches may be used toprevent access to the refill container. If so, then the dispensingsystem may not be enabled if the controller prevents unlocking of thelatch mechanism. Or the controller may be operative with a mechanismthat controls a pump associated with the refill container, whereinincompatibility of the communication devices may preclude actuation ofthe pump.

In order to operate the hands-free dispenser and other dispensers thatprovide status information, it is known to provide a power source, suchas low-voltage batteries, within the fluid dispenser housing.Accordingly, the batteries contained within the fluid dispenser may beutilized to operate the controller and a display of a particulardispenser. In other words, the internal power may be utilized to readthe communication device provided with the key or the refill container.In the alternative, and as noted previously, the power may be externallyprovided by the electronic key inserted into the dispenser. This featuresaves on providing a power supply with each dispenser and the costsassociated with replacing discharged batteries.

The features listed above provide for a dispensing system withsignificantly improved operational features. Indeed, use of thecommunication devices and their exchange of information facilitated bythe controller provide for not only selective enablement of the systembut also monitoring of the system. By collecting additional systeminformation, the needs of the dispenser user, the distributor and themanufacturer can be met. For example, the dispenser's frequency of usecan be determined along with peak hours of operation, use withindesignated time periods and so on. As will be appreciated from thedetailed discussion to follow, the various features of these devices maybe accomplished at a low cost as described in the different embodimentsand may be utilized in any number of combinations and with one ormultiple dispensers. Accordingly, reference is made to the followingdetailed description and figures which set out the particularembodiments.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly FIG. 1, it can beseen that a dispenser made in accordance with the invention isdesignated generally by the numeral 10. The dispenser includes adispenser housing structure of widely known dispensers, designatedgenerally by the numeral 12. The dispenser housing 12 may be a wall orcounter-mount unit, or can be a freestanding unit disposed on a countertop or the like. The dispenser described herein is used for dispensingfluids such as soaps and other liquids, but it will be appreciated thatother products could be dispensed such as paper, tablets, or anyflowable material. In any event, the dispenser housing 12 typicallyincludes a cartridge 14 of liquid product positioned above and incommunication with a dispensing nozzle 16, with an appropriate pump orother dispensing mechanism 18 interposed therebetween. As is well knownby those skilled in the art, the dispensing mechanism 18 is configuredto dispense a preset amount of liquid upon each dispensing cycle. Inaccordance with the invention, the dispensing mechanism 18 is controlledby an actuating mechanism 20 such as a motor, solenoid, plunger or thelike. The mechanism 20 is energized upon the detection of an object,such as a user's hands, positioned beneath the dispensing nozzle 16.

The dispenser also includes a microswitch 21 that is associated with thedispenser housing 12. For example, the microswitch 21 could bepositioned on the inside of the dispenser housing 12 such that themicroswitch 21 is activated only upon the closure of the dispenserhousing 12.

The dispenser further includes a radio frequency identification (RFID)reader 22. The reader 22 may include an RFID antenna 24, a RFID circuit26, and a controller 28 that communicates with an RFID tag 30. It ispreferred that the reader also has the capabilities to write to tag 30,which will be described hereinafter. The reader 22 is shown to belocated on the dispenser so that the RFID antenna can interact with theRFID tag 30 of the refill cartridge 14.

As best seen in FIG. 1, a refill cartridge 14 includes indicia which maybe disposed on any surface of the bag. The indicia includes informationabout the fluid materials, ingredients, date of manufacture and otherpertinent product information. The RFID tag 30 incorporates a tagantenna 32. The tag 30 may also include an electronic storage devicethat stores a “matching” identification code and may contain otherrelevant information regarding the material enclosed in the bag, thesize of the pump, the volume of the fluid material and the like. It willfurther be appreciated that the tag is stored with information and/orprogrammed at the manufacturer's facility and contains information thatis easily changed or erased by the controller.

The invention presented and described in detail below is an improvementand refinement as to how the dispenser 10 utilizes the RFID reader 22.Now referring to the reader 22, there are three preferred circuitscontemplated and described hereinafter. It should be apparent to oneskilled in the art that other variations may be used without departingfrom the spirit of the invention.

Quad Op Amp Circuit

In one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 2-3, the hardware of the RFIDcircuit 26 connects to the controller 28 and includes a pair oftransistors 36, a voltage regulator 38, a multi-stage low pass filter40, and an I/O interface 42. It is also assumed that a suitable sourceof operating power, such as a battery, is either provided as part of thereader, or is external thereto and coupled into the reader through anappropriate power connection.

For this embodiment, it should be noted that the controller 28 includesoscillator 28A to drive its internal operations. This oscillator 28A isthe main time base device in the controller 28. The controller 28, inthe preferred embodiment, is realized using a commercially availableZilog XP, 8-bit microcontroller.

The multi-stage low pass filter 40 (quad operational amplifier) isapplied so that the four operational amplifiers are configured as a 9kHz two-pole filter, a pulse amplifier, a 5 kHz two-filter, and acomparator. The multi-stage low pass filter 40 comprises a four stageband pass amplifier made using the operational amplifiers U4A-U4D, andassociated discrete components. The operational amplifiers may bepackaged in a commercially available single quad op-amp integratedcircuit such as produced by Texas Instruments. The output of themulti-stage band pass amplifier's comparator is a digital signal, whichis an input to the controller 28. The controller 28 includes softwarethat decodes this digital signal, and may send a signal to the twotransistors 36 to generate an outgoing signal to the RFID tag 30 of therefill cartridge 14 as will be further described hereinafter.

It is preferred that two transistors 36 are used in order to allow thecontroller 28 to communicate with (excite, provide power, read, andwrite) to the tag 30. This is desirable in order to prevent reuse of therefill cartridge 14, or prevent unauthorized tampering with the refillcartridge.

The voltage regulator 38 consists of micropower, low dropout linearregulator, and as one skilled in the art would appreciate could consistof any known equivalent circuitry to regulate the voltage supplied tothe controller.

Controller Based with Internal Comparator

Alternatively, the hardware of the RFID circuit 26 consists of theelectronic components shown in FIGS. 4-5. The RFID circuit 26′ connectsto the controller 28′ and includes a pair of transistors 36′, a voltageregulator 38′, a filtering circuit (resistors, capacitors and singlediode) 44, and an I/O interface 42′. It is also assumed, that a suitablesource of operating power, such as a battery, is either provided as partof the reader, or is external thereto and coupled into the readerthrough an appropriate power connection.

The controller 28′ of this embodiment includes an oscillator 28A′ alongwith an internal comparator 28B′, which works in association with thefiltering circuit to process the analog signal into a digital signal.The internal comparator 28B′ converts the analog signal into the digitalsignal, which is then processed by the controller.

As in the hardware of the previous embodiment, this embodiment includesa voltage regulator along with two transistors as stated in the aboveembodiment.

As should be apparent, based on which circuit is chosen, the controller28′ provides the necessary hardware, software, and memory to implementthe functions of the control circuit and properly operate the dispenser10. The controller 28′ of this embodiment could be a microcontrollersuch as Z8F042A manufactured by Zilog. Of course, a controllermanufactured by others could be used. The controller 28′ may alsoinclude, among other components, multiple oscillators and may also beused to provide software to operate other features of the dispenser.Generally, the oscillator 28A′ could be an internal oscillator, which,if properly enabled, may run continuously. An alternative oscillator maybe used for other functions. Skilled artisans will appreciate that thecontroller 28′ includes a watchdog timer that is associated with theinternal oscillator so that the controller may be stopped or halted fora predetermined period of time. Accordingly, full operation of thecontroller only occurs at predetermined increments so as to reducecurrent draw from a power supply. This conserves power and helps toincrease the life of the power supply which may be in the form of abattery. The controller 28′ generates and sends a signal to theactuating mechanism 20 as the reader 22 communicates with the RFID tag30 of the cartridge.

Dual Op Amp and Controller Based Comparator

In another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 6-7, the hardware of the RFIDcircuit 26″ connects to the controller 28″ and includes a pair oftransistors 36″, a voltage regulator 38″, a dual operational amplifier(dual op amp) 46, and an I/O interface 42″. It is also assumed, that asuitable source of operating power, such as a battery, is eitherprovided as part of the reader, or is external thereto and coupled intothe reader through an appropriate power connection.

The dual operational amplifier 46 is applied so that the two operationalamplifiers are configured with resistors and capacitors to form a filterand a pulse amplifier. The operational amplifiers may be packaged in acommercially available single dual op-amp integrated circuit such asproduced by Texas Instruments. The output of the dual operationalamplifier is an analog signal, which is an input into the controller28″. The controller 28″ includes software that decodes this digitalsignal, and may send a signal to the two transistors 36″ to generate anoutgoing signal to the RFID tag 30 of the refill cartridge 14 as will befurther described hereinafter.

The controller 28″ of this embodiment includes an oscillator 28A″ alongwith an internal comparator 28B″, which works in association with thefiltering circuit to process the analog signal into a digital signal.The internal comparator 28B″ converts the analog signal into the digitalsignal, which is then processed by the controller.

As in the hardware of the previous embodiment, this embodiment includesa voltage regulator along with two transistors as stated in the aboveembodiment.

As should be apparent, based on which circuit is chosen, the controller28″ provides the necessary hardware, software, and memory to implementthe functions of the control circuit and properly operate the dispenser10. The controller 28″ of this embodiment could be a microcontrollersuch as Z8F042A manufactured by Zilog. Of course, a controllermanufactured by others could be used. The controller 28″ may alsoinclude, among other components, multiple oscillators and may also beused to provide software to operate other features of the dispenser.Generally, the oscillator 28A″ could be an internal oscillator, which,if properly enabled, may run continuously. An alternative oscillator maybe used for other functions. Skilled artisans will appreciate that thecontroller 28′ includes a watchdog timer that is associated with theinternal oscillator so that the controller may be stopped or halted fora predetermined period of time. Accordingly, full operation of thecontroller only occurs at predetermined increments so as to reducecurrent draw from a power supply. This conserves power and helps toincrease the life of the power supply which may be in the form of abattery. The controller 28″ generates and sends a signal to theactuating mechanism 20 as the reader 22 communicates with the RFID tag30 of the cartridge.

Software

Referring next to FIGS. 8A and 8B, a flow chart is shown that detailsthe control program(s) that are stored in the memory of the controllerwhen used to carry out a dispensing application of the invention. Eachflow chart includes a series of main steps that are depicted in “boxes”or “blocks,” with a directional line or lines interconnecting each boxor block to indicate how the “flow” of the operation proceeds. It issubmitted that a person of skill in the art can readily program acontroller, such as the controller 28 described above, with appropriatecode and commands to carry out the operation depicted in the flow chartof FIGS. 8A-8B.

The flow charts of FIGS. 8A-8B are self explanatory to those of skill inthe art. Nonetheless, the following supplementary comments are toprovide an overview of the control program's operation. The basicoperating program for the reader 22 (and more particularly for thecontroller 28 used within the reader) is shown in FIG. 8A. The range ofthe reader is typically 3-4 inches. When within range, the transponderis powered by the output power signal generated by the reader.

The operational process performed by the controller for RFID interactionis designated by the numeral 100 as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B of thedrawings. For this process, it is assumed that a refill cartridge isinstalled within the dispenser having an RFID transponder tag. RFIDinteraction 100 has a start sequence at step 110. At this step 110, thecontroller may proceed to an optional determination at step 112 whetherthe dispenser door is open or closed (depending on the dispenser'sstructure and whether there is a switch or sensor on the door latch). Ifthe dispensing system includes this requirement and the door is open,the dispenser does not dispense product at step 114 and returns to step112.

If the controller does not include step 112 or determines that the dooris closed at 112, then the controller proceeds to step 116 anddetermines whether the system is calling for a dispensing of product. Ifthe dispensing system does not detect a dispensing request, thedispenser does not dispense product at step 118 and returns to step 112.If the controller does receive a dispense request at step 116, then thecontroller proceeds to the receiving steps 120.

Receiving steps 120 include the controller first interrogating the tagof the refill cartridge at step 121. The controller then proceeds tostep 122 where it receives data sent by the tag, and step 124 where thecontroller reads/decodes the data of the tag.

The controller then proceeds to step 126 to determine whether the codesstored on the refill cartridge tag match any of the stored codes withinthe controller. If the tag does not match any of the stored codes of thecontroller, the dispenser does not dispense product at step 128 andreturns to step 112. If the controller determines that the codes of thetag and controller match, then the controller proceeds to step 130. Atstep 130, the controller determines whether the dispense count isgreater than zero. If the dispenser is zero, the dispenser does notdispense product at step 134 and returns to step 112. If the dispensecount is greater than zero, the controller proceeds to step 136 wherethe product's output size is determined. At step 138, the controllerpermits the dispensing of product.

After or contemporaneous with the dispensing of product at step 140, thecontroller sends a signal to the two transistors to write to the tag ofthe refill, which decrements the value of the dispense count. After step140 is complete, the controller returns to step 112 to be ready toreceive another dispense request.

It should be noted that step 130 may also utilize another value by whichthe controller determines that the product is empty. This can beaccomplished by assigning a value to the number of dispenses for eachspecific refill cartridge at the controller and either incrementing ordecrementing the count until it matches a value associated with theproduct amount. For purposes of this embodiment, the number associatedwith the dispense count has a stored a number greater than zero anddecrements each time product is dispensed.

Accordingly, all embodiments disclosed herein provide the advantageslacking in the prior art devices. In particular, use of an electronickey, storage of an identification code within a controller maintained inthe dispenser and/or use of the matching code with a refill containerallows for flexibility in a manufacturer's relationship with thedistributor in that control of the number of refill bags or cartridgesshipped and maintained in inventory is significantly reduced. Further,the distributor is assured of the ability to maintain its refillbusiness and the manufacturer is assured of the distributor's use ofjust the manufacturer's product. Moreover, the disclosed systems ensurethat the proper material of controlled quality is received by thedispenser.

With reference now to FIGS. 9-13, an appreciation can be obtained ofother structures and features of the invention. With the implementationand utilization of a controller comprising a microprocessor chip or thelike, various enhancements of dispenser operation can be achieved.Various such adaptations are presented in association with thosefigures, as discussed below.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a dispenser system made in accordance with theinvention is shown diagrammatically and designated by the numeral 200.The dispenser system 200 includes a housing 202 having a nozzle opening204 at a bottom portion thereof. Maintained within the housing 202 is acontroller 206, the controller comprising a dedicated microprocessorchip or the like, as presented above. In accordance with this feature ofthe invention, the housing 202 receives and maintains a pair ofcartridges 208, 210 which, in accordance with the invention, are adaptedfor mutually exclusive dispensing operation. It will be understood that,in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cartridges 208, 210 areidentical in nature and contain the same substance for dispensing.

Associated with each of the cartridges 208, 210 is a dispenser actuator212, 214, which may be of various natures, depending upon whether thedispenser system 200 is an automatic “touch free” system, or amechanically-actuated one. The differences will be discussed below. Inany event, output conduits 216, 218 pass from respective cartridges 208,210 as shown. In the implementation of the embodiment employingmechanical actuation, a shuttle 220 is interposed between the actuators212, 214 for purposes which will be discussed herein. In the touch freesystem, a “hands present” sensor 222 is employed. As illustrated,dispenser actuators 212, 214 communicate with the controller 206, as dothe shuttle 220 and sensor 222.

In the context of the invention the dispenser system 200 is configuredto ensure that the dispenser never runs out of the soap, sanitizer orother fluid to be dispensed. Accordingly, when a first cartridge 208 iseither empty or very near empty, dispensing operations from thatcartridge are terminated and switched to the cartridge 210, awaitingreplacement of the cartridge 208. As dispensing operations proceed fromthe cartridge 210, and it nears or reaches depletion, the dispensingoperation is switched back to the now-full cartridge 208. Accordingly,the dispenser 200 is never depleted of the dispensable liquid.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the dispenser 200 isa touch-free system, employing a non-contact sensor 222 to determine thepresence of a user's hand. Upon such determination by the controller206, the appropriate dispense actuator 212, 214 is activated for asufficient period of time to dispense the proper amount of liquid ontothe user's hand. In this embodiment, the dispense actuators 212, 214 aretypically motor driven pumps, selectively and mutually exclusivelydriven by the controller 206. The controller 206 drives the motorassociated with the cartridge from which liquid is presently beingdispensed, until such time that the cartridge is at or near empty, atwhich time the controller switches to driving the motor associated withthe other cartridge. The controller can, at that time, illuminate alight or provide another appropriate signal to indicate that a cartridgeneeds replaced. The operation switches back and forth upon the emptyingof the cartridges.

In the mechanically-actuated version of the dispenser system 200, ashuttle 220, which can be solenoid actuated or the like, is employed toselectively engage or disengage a mechanical pump with a push baractuator as is commonly employed with such dispensers. The shuttle 220is actuated by the controller 206 upon determination that a cartridge208, 210 is at or near empty.

In both embodiments, the controller 206 determines when the cartridgebeing employed is at or near empty, by counting the number of dispensecycles engaged. In the mechanical version, the controller counts thenumber of actuations of the push bar, while in the hands free version,the controller counts the number of dispensing cycles for which theassociated motor and pump mechanism has been actuated.

With reference to FIG. 10, a flow chart showing the operation of boththe mechanical and automated system is shown as designated by thenumeral 230. The program initiates at 232 and enters into a state ofmonitoring the dispenser at 234 until a dispense cycle is requested asat 236. The dispense cycle is requested either by detection of thepresence of a user's hand through the sensor 222, or by actuation of thepress bar of the mechanical system. When dispensing is requested at 236,the liquid is dispensed from the presently employed cartridge as at 238.Upon such dispensing, a counter is decremented as at 240 by thecontroller 206. A determination is then made at 242 as to whether thecounter has counted out, leaving the count of the counter at zero. If ithas not, subsequent dispense cycles continue from the presently employedcartridge 208, 210 until such time as the counter has counted out asdetermined at 242. At that time, a switch is made to the other fullcartridge as at 244. In the mechanical system, the controller 206activates the shuttle 220 to disengage the empty cartridge and engagethe full one with the push bar mechanism. In the automated system, thecontroller 206 simply switches to pass its motor actuating signal to themotor pump associated with the full cartridge. Thereafter, a signal maybe emitted in the form of an audible or visual signal as at 246, toindicate the need for replacement of a spent cartridge. Similarly, at248 the counter of the controller 206 is reset to indicate theimplementation of a full cartridge and the dispense cycles are againmonitored and the counter decremented until the counter reaches zero,indicating that the cartridge is empty or near empty and the switchingbetween cartridges needs to be entertained again, and the cyclecontinues.

With reference now to FIGS. 11-13, other features of the invention canbe seen and appreciated. In FIG. 11, a dispenser system, generallyillustrative of the invention, is designated generally by the numeral250. Again, the system 250 includes a dispenser housing 252 maintaininga disposable cartridge 254 and a controller 256 therein. Again, thecartridge 254 and controller 256 are similar in nature to thosepresented and described above. A motor 258 is controlled by thecontroller 256 and interposed between controller 256 and the dispensingpump 260. The pump 260 communicates between the contents of thecartridge 254 and the nozzle 262. In accordance with the invention, itis desired that the dispense cycle time be capable of being altered as afunction of various parameters. For example, it has been found that therate at which liquid may be dispensed from a cartridge is greatest whenthe cartridge is full, and diminishes as the cartridge empties.Accordingly, it is desirable that the dispense cycle time for thedispenser system 250 be less when the cartridge is full than when thecartridge is nearing the empty condition, such that substantially thesame amount of liquid is dispensed on each dispensing cycle, regardlessof the volume of fluid in the cartridge.

Similarly, it is known that different liquids dispense at differentrates, typically as a function of their viscosity. For example, liquidsoaps will typically dispense at a faster rate than sanitizer gels and,accordingly, the dispense rate needs to be set as a function of theliquid being dispensed. The instant invention provides for thesecapabilities.

With reference now to FIG. 12, a flow chart showing the methodology bywhich the controller 256 can vary the dispensing cycle time as afunction of the number of dispense cycles (and hence the volumeremaining in the cartridge) can be seen as designated by the numeral264. The process initiates at 266, and follows to a stage of monitoringthe dispenser at 268. When a dispense cycle is entertained, it iscounted as at 270. Then, at 272, a determination is made as to whetheror not the number of dispense cycles has reached a threshold T. If ithas not, dispensing continues in normal fashion until such time that thenumber of dispense cycles has reached the threshold T, indicating thatthe volume of liquid left within the cartridge 254 is at such a levelthat the dispense cycle or duration of operation of the motor 258 needsto be increased. This increase of dispense cycle time is undertaken at274, at which time the threshold T is similarly increased at 276 and thecycle continues. It will thus be appreciated that various thresholds maybe set during the depletion of the cartridge 254, with the dispensecycle being increased at each of the thresholds T. Upon replacement ofthe cartridge 254, the initiation 266 takes place, at which time thecycle counter is set to zero, the initial cycle time is reset, and theprogram begins anew.

With reference now to FIG. 13, an appreciation can be obtained ofseveral features of the invention. As described above, it is desirablethat the dispense cycle be set as a function of the liquid beingdispensed, typically based upon the viscosity of the liquid. It is alsodesired that the dispenser system 250 be capable of learning the liquidthat is to be associated therewith. Accordingly, it is contemplated thatthe dispenser system 250 have a learn cycle, such that the controller256 identifies the first cartridge placed therein, and then operates insuch a manner as to only receive that cartridge in the future, and toset its dispense cycle as a function of that cartridge. Accordingly,each of the dispenser systems 250 is provided with a controller 256having the capability of “learning” each of the possible cartridges tobe associated therewith, and to regulate its dispensing cycle as afunction thereof. This “learning” process can be undertaken inassociation with RFID systems and techniques presented earlier herein.With each cartridge having a readable tag, the controller 256 canrecognize the first cartridge introduced thereto and tailor all of itsfuture operations as a function thereof.

As shown in FIG. 13, a program for learning the nature of the initialcartridge, tailoring operation in association therewith, and settingand/or altering dispense cycle time is shown and designated by thenumeral 280. The program initiates at 282 and enters into a monitoringstage to determine if a cartridge has been inserted into the housing 252and if its tag has been “read” at 284. If no cartridge has beenpreviously read, the system continues to monitor as at 286 until acartridge is present. When a cartridge is sensed to be present at 286,its nature and identity is read as at 288 and that reading is stored inthe controller 256 as at 290. The controller then sets the dispensecycle time at 292, such dispense cycle time being a characteristic ofthe liquid contained within the cartridge. The dispense cycle time maysimply be retrieved from a look-up table in controller 256.

Program 280 then continues and when the next cartridge is offered to thedispenser 250 as at 284, a determination is made at 294 as to whetherthe cartridge tag is acceptable. If it is not, the cartridge is rejectedas at 298, as by not allowing the door of the dispenser housing toclose, or by simply inhibiting operation thereof. In any event, theprogram 280 is such that only specific cartridges as to brand, contents,or like nature may be accepted by the dispenser housing 252. Thoseparameters are set by the first cartridge placement after the dispenseris installed. If the cartridge tag is found acceptable, dispensingoperations proceed as at 296.

With reference now to FIG. 14, it can be seen that the concept of theinvention also includes the capability of adjusting the dispensing pumpoutput in order to accommodate the dispensing of various quantities ofmaterial, the various quantities being tailored to the specific materialbeing dispensed. For example, if the dispenser dispenses a liquid soap,a different quantity would likely be dispensed than if an alcohol-basedsanitizer were dispensed. Further, if the substance is dispensed as aliquid or gel, a different dispensing cycle would likely be requiredthan if dispensing were in the form of a foam. The concept of theinvention is adapted to determine the cartridge or associated taginformation sufficient to adjust the number of dispenser pump cycles toensure that the desired quantity of material is dispensed.

With continued reference to FIG. 14, it can be seen that a process forsetting dispense cycles is designated by the numeral 300. According tothis process, the program commences as at 302, upon closure of thedispenser door, or similar event. Thereafter, the tag of the cartridgeis read as by the controller 256. The tag provides either informationregarding the identity of the product in the cartridge, or specificallysets forth the required dispensed volume or number of pump strokes.Thereafter, as at 306, the dispense cycle is set by the controller toensure that the proper number of pump cycles or strokes are engaged oneach dispense cycle in order to ensure that the desired quantity isdispensed.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that, in the event thetag contains either the identity of the product or the desired dispensedvolume, an appropriate look-up table in the controller can be accessedto convert that information to the number of strokes or duration of pumpactuation that is required. In any and all such events, the inventionallows a dispenser to receive and handle the dispensing of a widevariety of products, ensuring that appropriate amounts of the productare dispensed on each dispensing cycle.

With further regard to the process 300 of FIG. 14, it will beappreciated that not only the duration or number of pump cycles may beadjusted to ensure that the proper quantity of the associated materialis dispensed, but the pumping speed may also be set to ensure that theappropriate quality of the material is attained. In other words, settingof the dispense cycle may entail not only the number of pump strokes,but the speed of those strokes, or rotation of a rotary pump. Whendispensing foam products, it has been found that the quality of thefoam, measured by bubble size and consistency, may be a function of thepump speed. Accordingly, where the tag indicates that a foam is to bedispensed, the dispense cycle may be adjusted not only with regard toduration and strokes, but speed as well.

Another feature of the invention is the capability of recognizing thecapacity of a refill cartridge received by the dispenser, monitoring thenumber of dispensed cycles, and terminating dispenser operation and/orsignaling when the cartridge would be deemed empty. With reference nowto FIG. 15, such a process is shown as designated by the numeral 308.Here, the program commences at 310 as by closure of the dispenser door.At such time, the tag or other information on the cartridge is read asat 312. The information contained on the tag or cartridge identifies,either directly or through reference to a look-up table or the like, thevolume of material contained in the cartridge. Based upon thatinformation, the controller makes a determination at 314 as to thenumber of dispense cycles available from the cartridge, and that countis set by the controller in a down-counter, or, alternatively, anup-counter is set to zero. The dispenser then engages in normaloperation. When a dispense cycle is disengaged as at 316, an appropriateamount of material is dispensed and the counter, whether an up-counteror down-counter, is indexed as at 318. A determination is then made at320 as to whether the count in the counter equals a particularthreshold. This threshold would typically be zero in the down-countembodiment, or the number of anticipated dispense cycles in the up-countembodiment. In either event, if the threshold has not been reached, thedispenser simply continues a normal operation by engaging subsequentdispense cycles upon request. When the count does equal the threshold asat 320, the controller terminates and precludes any further dispensingfrom the cartridge as at 322. It may also signal that event by theillumination of a light or other signal, indicating that the dispenseris “empty” and in need of serving. Upon such servicing, the programinitiates at 310 upon replacement of the cartridge and operation beginsanew.

In order to preclude unscrupulous people from simply refillingcartridges (that are intended to be disposable), and particularly fromrefilling such cartridges with product other than that which thecartridge indicates it contains, the invention contemplates the tag ofthe cartridge itself is effectively destroyed upon depletion of thecartridge contents, such that the cartridge can never again be acceptedby a dispenser. In this regard, it is contemplated that the cartridgetag may be an active tag that is either up or down counted, and is onlycapable of being counted once. In other words, such a tag is incapableof being reset.

With reference now to FIG. 16, a process employed with such active tagis seen as designated by the numeral 324. Here, the process is initiatedas at 326 by, for example, closure of the dispenser door. A dispensecycle is engaged at 328, and, upon completion of the dispense cycle, thecontroller causes the active tag of the cartridge to be indexed as at330. A determination is then made at 332 as to whether the tagged counthas reached a threshold, indicating that the cartridge is empty. If ithas not reached that threshold, normal dispensing operations continueuntil the threshold is reached. At that time, as shown at 334,dispensing from the cartridge is terminated, an appropriate indicia ofthat fact is activated, and the dispenser awaits initiation as byreplacement of the appropriate cartridge.

The invention further contemplates that the implementation of cartridgetags and dispenser controllers may be employed to ensure that thecartridges placed within the dispenser contain the correct material forthat dispenser, are of an authorized brand, and/or are provided by anauthorized distributor. In that regard, a process such as that shown inFIG. 17 and designated by the numeral 336 may be employed. Again, theprocess is initiated as with the prior processes as at 338, and thecartridge tag is read as at 340. A determination is then made at 342 asto whether the tag indicates that the product within the cartridge isthe correct product, of an appropriate brand, and from an approveddistributor. If not, then the controller inhibits further operation ofthe dispenser and emits a display signal indicative of those facts. Thedisplay signal may be as simple as a light, or may be as sophisticatedas a liquid crystal display, presenting the specific nature of theproblem encountered. The dispenser then awaits appropriate servicing andinitiation as at 338. If, however, it was determined that appropriateproduct, brand and distributor were associated with the cartridge,operation continues as at 346 and other sub-programs for dispensing canbe engaged.

As presented above, it is contemplated that any particular dispenserhousing may be adapted to receive any of various dispenser cartridges.Thus far, the implementation of a cartridge tag, whether active orpassive, in association with a controller has been presented to ensurethat the dispenser is operated only with approved products. Theinvention also contemplates physical adaptability, to accommodatecartridges of various physical sizes. In this regard, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that a dispenser typically comprises a housingthat includes a back plate mounted to a wall or other surface, alongwith sidewalls, and a cover. These elements define a cavity within whicha cartridge of a specified dimension can be received and replaced.However, cartridges come in various sizes, typically from as small as ahalf liter to as large as five liters, with sizes on the order of oneliter and 0.75 liters being most common. However, presently knowndispensers are of fixed configuration, adapted to only accommodatecartridges of one specific size and physical dimension. Accordingly, theinstant invention contemplates further adaptability of dispensers byaccommodating cartridges of a range of physical sizes andconfigurations.

As shown in FIG. 18, a relevant portion of a dispenser housing of anadjustable nature is shown illustratively and designated by the numeral348. The dispenser housing 348 is shown without the door or front coverfor illustrative purposes. As illustrated, the dispenser housing 348 hasa pair of support ledges or brackets 350 at a bottom portion thereofthat are preferably fixedly attached to and extend from the back plate352. Defined between the support ledges 350 is an opening 354 of such asize and configuration as to receive the neck of a wide range ofcartridges, the neck typically housing and including the pump and nozzlemechanisms. Typically, the cartridge rests upon the spaced ledges 350,with the neck extending through the opening 354 with the nozzle exitingthe dispenser in standard fashion.

The invention contemplates that side and top support to the cartridgecan be given by means of adjustable side and top plates. As shown,adjustable side plates 356 are maintained within the cavity of thehousing 348 and spaced apart in parallel relationship to each other.Each of the adjustable side plates 356 includes an index tab 358 forlocking in selected positions as in tracks or the like (not shown)formed within the housing 348. It is contemplated that biasing springs360 may also be interposed between the side plates 356 and portions ofthe housing 348 in order to urge the plates 356 against the locking tabs358 when selectively positioned, in order to hold the plates 356 in adesired position. Similarly, an adjustable top plate 362 is contemplatedfor adjustability through the use of an indexed tab 358 and biasingsprings 360. Accordingly, it can be seen that the effective size of thecavity of the dispenser housing 348 can be tailored on site toaccommodate the physical size and configuration of the cartridge to beemployed. Accordingly, the invention provides for dispensers that areadaptable, both physically and electronically to the receipt,maintenance, and usability of a wide range of cartridges.

With reference now to FIGS. 19A-19D, yet another embodiment of theinvention in which the dispenser housing is adapted for receivingvarious dispenser cartridges is illustrated and designated by thenumeral 364. As shown, the dispenser 364 includes a back plate 366adapted to be fixed to a wall or the like through the use of screws,hangers, or other appropriate means. A cover 368 is connected to theback plate 366 by means of a hinge 370, defining a cavity therebetween.

A telescoping cup 372 is adjustably received by the back plate 366 bymeans of a slide or track, as will readily be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art. The telescoping cup 372 may be fixed at any ofvarious positions with respect to the back plate 366 to accommodatecartridges of various sizes. To this end, a flange 374 having anaperture 376 extending therethrough protrudes from a back edge of thecup 372. A plurality of spaced apertures 378 are provided in the backplate 366 and in alignment with the aperture 376 when the cup 372 isslidably positioned with respect to the back plate 376. When the cup 372is moved to its desired position, a screw may be passed through theaperture 376 and associated aperture 378 and into the wall or othermounting surface, thereby mounting the dispenser 364 to the wall whilesecuring the cup 372 in fixed relation to the back plate 366, forreceipt of a particular size of cartridge.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various meansmay be employed for selectively positioning the cup 372 with respect tothe back plate 366. Screws may be employed as presented above, althoughthe screws may simply be used to pass through the apertures 376, 378,and not be used for mounting purposes. Alternatively, openings 380 maybe provided in the back plate 366 and may be adapted for receipt byhangers or the like secured to the wall for hanging the dispenser on thewall. Alternatively, the openings 380 may be adapted to receive hooks ortabs extending from a back portion of the cup 372 for adjustablepositioning of the cup 372 with respect to the back plate 366.

As shown in FIG. 19A, the cup 372 is fully telescoped within the cavitydefined between the cover 368 and back plate 366. In this position, verysmall cartridges may be employed. It is also contemplated that thedispenser 364 will be collapsed as shown in FIG. 19A for purposes ofshipping, thus reducing the size of the packages or cartons required forsuch shipping. In FIG. 19B, the cup 372 is extended to an intermediateposition, for receipt of cartridges of a particular size. In FIG. 19C,the cup 372 is fully extended, to receive cartridges of yet a largersize. It will be appreciated that regardless of the extension of the cup372, the cover 368 is sufficient to conceal the upper top portion of thecup, as shown in FIG. 19C.

FIG. 19D shows the dispenser 364 at the same point of extension as inFIG. 19C, but with the cover 368 open. This drawing illustrates thedegree of overlap of the cover 368 with the cup 372, and demonstratesthe definition of the cavity achieved by the combination of the cup 372and the portion defined between the cover 368 and the back plate 366.This entire cavity is available for receiving a cartridge.

It will be appreciated that the dispenser 364 is shown withoutillustration of the dispenser nozzle, valve, pump or the like. Theillustrations of FIGS. 19A-19D are for illustrative purposes only.

It can thus be seen that the utilization of a controller in thedispensing systems allows for assurance that only approved cartridgesare placed within the dispenser, that the appropriate amount of liquidis dispensed from the dispenser, that the cartridge is switched beforebeing empty, and a host of other actions may be taken consistent withuser-friendly dispensing.

Thus, it can be seen that the objects of the invention have beensatisfied by the structure and its method for use presented above. Whilein accordance with the Patent Statutes, only the best mode and preferredembodiment has been presented and described in detail, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby.Accordingly, for an appreciation of the true scope and breadth of theinvention, reference should be made to the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of determining a need for service of arefill cartridge that contains product to be dispensed comprising:providing a dispenser that includes a first communication device;operatively installing a refill cartridge that has a secondcommunication device associated therewith into the dispenser, the secondcommunication device maintaining a count value identifying the number ofdispense cycles that the refill cartridge has available; communicatingthe count value from the second communication device to the firstcommunication device; actuating the dispenser to complete a dispensecycle, whereby the product is dispensed from the refill cartridge;updating the count value; and indicating that the refill cartridgerequires service based on the updated count value.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the updating step is performed at a counter stored at acontroller provided by the dispenser.
 3. The method of claim 2, whereinthe counter is incremented.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein theindicating step is performed when the counter is greater than or equalto a threshold value.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the counter isdecremented.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the indicating step isperformed when the counter is less than or equal to a threshold value.7. The method of claim 1, wherein the product comprises flowablematerial.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the updating step isperformed at a counter provided by the second communication device ofthe refill cartridge.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the counter isincremented.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the indicating step isperformed when the counter is greater than or equal to a thresholdvalue.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the counter is decremented.12. The method of claim 11, wherein the indicating step is performedwhen the counter is less than or equal to a threshold value.
 13. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: permanently disabling theoperation of the refill cartridge after the updated count value reachesa threshold value.
 14. A method of operating a dispenser for a refillcartridge that contains product to be dispensed comprising: providing adispenser that includes a first communication device; operativelyinstalling a refill cartridge that has a second communication deviceassociated therewith into the dispenser, the second communication devicemaintaining a count value identifying a number of dispense cycles thatthe refill cartridge has available; communicating the count value fromthe second communication device to the first communication device;actuating the dispenser to complete a dispense cycle, whereby theproduct is dispensed from the refill cartridge; updating the countvalue; and determining whether the updated count value has reached athreshold value; and adjusting a cycle time of the dispense cycle thatis performed at the actuating step if the threshold value has beenreached.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the adjusting step isperformed by increasing the cycle time.
 16. The method of claim 14,further comprising modifying the threshold value.
 17. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the modifying step is performed by increasing thethreshold value.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the productcomprises flowable material.
 19. A dispenser comprising: a dispenserhaving a first communication device; and a refill container in operativecommunication with the dispenser, the refill container having a secondcommunication device maintaining a refill container identification code,wherein the first communication device communicates with the secondcommunication device to acquire the refill container identificationcode; wherein the first communication device is configured tocommunicate therefrom the refill container code.
 20. The dispenser ofclaim 18, wherein the second communication device includes a date ofmanufacture associated with the refill container, which is acquired bythe first communication device and communicated therefrom.